The last time the Aztecs played Ohio State, it was 2005, Lynell Hamilton was the running back, Kevin O’Connell was the quarterback, and SDSU opened the game on a high note, with a 80-yard touchdown pass from O’Connell to Brett Swain.

Eleven seconds into the game, the Aztecs led 6-0.

They never led again as Ohio State scored three unanswered rushing touchdowns to beat the Aztecs 27-6.

That game marked the third straight loss the Aztecs had suffered at the hands of the Buckeyes.

None of that bodes well for Rocky Long’s team this weekend in Columbus

Especially since they're coming off a tough week where they faced much criticism for the season opening defeat to FCS Eastern Illinois.

But when you look at the series between SDSU and Ohio State, the Aztecs have a history of playing the Buckeyes close. Ohio State is 3-0 all-time against the Aztecs. Before that 2005 game, the Aztecs had lost to Ohio State by margins of three (2003) and 15 (2001) points.

Saturday's game comes against an Ohio State team ranked No. 2/3, that has won 13 straight games.

David vs. Goliath? Maybe. But it doesn't necessarily guarantee a blowout defeat, said former SDSU quarterback O'Connell, who's now a college football television analyst for ESPN.

"I don’t think last game helps, but I don’t think it erases what’s happened the last three years either.... I think they’re going there to try and right the ship and go out there and win the game," O'Connell said. "People will say you’re crazy to think that with them having lost to Eastern Illinois at home.

"But they’re college kids. There can be a completely different team that shows up on Saturday, and there will be no explanation for it. The same game plan could produce a win against Ohio State in Columbus."

Regardless of the outcome, it's going to be a unique experience for the Aztecs. Ohio Stadium offers one of the most impressive game day experiences in college football, and O'Connell remembers what it was like to walk out on the field on game day.

"Your heart is beating out of your chest. It’s what you live to play for -- games like that," O'Connell said. "You walk out when the stadium is empty and you get there, and it takes your breath away. You realize you’re playing in the horseshoe. The excitement and the amount of anticipation that comes with a game like that is hard to explain.

"It’s why I think these games are great for SDSU to schedule. With where they are in the program, they're one win against an Ohio State or Michigan away from putting themselves on the map."